Serving gourmet food in Portland since 1979, Elephants Deli has surely created its own taste that locals and tourists alike love to come back to. 

They serve high-quality Italian food such as fresh pasta, pesto sauce, and homemade bread—all made from scratch every day! 

The secret to their sought-after food? They feature fresh and local ingredients in the production and preparation of their products. 

We love that this doesn’t only ensure quality in the food they serve but also food safety. If you’re particular about these things, Elephants can confidently deliver. 

The next best thing about their food is their affordable price. The pricing per person is quoted at around $10 to $20 only.

Offering quality and affordability, we think they’re perfect for food enthusiasts who want to explore and try elevated Italian dishes in Portland. 

We also love that they’re open to serve any occasion. They offer food catering services for corporate lunches, big parties, and other special events.

Customers can also relax and focus on enjoying their food, as their staff members are friendly and accommodating. If you can’t decide what to get, they suggest recommendations of their best-selling dishes.

If you’re looking for a warm and cozy dining experience, this restaurant’s aesthetic also delivers. The place is coated with a bright and organic theme that simply opens the heart.  

Some customers, however, noted that the servings were too small. Some of the dishes can be dry as well. 

If your food fantasy includes having a warm, wood-fired, thin-crust pizza in the middle of a bustling crowd, we found you just the place. 

Customers can expect fresh quality in their dishes, as they use ingredients cultivated and prepared by their own team. 

Their wood-fired and thin-crust pizza are definitely crowd favorites, but their pasta and bread dishes are also pretty popular among their turnouts. 

They also offer a great selection of Italian and Northwest wines, which we think are perfect to pair with their exquisite dishes.

We also love that the staff members are lively and attentive to their customers. They make sure to greet the diners and assist them in choosing and making their orders.

However, there’s often a line of customers waiting for their turn outside the lobby. In any case, the wait isn’t going to be that lonely, as they play Chopin in the background. 

If you want to be accommodated at once, don’t forget to make reservations! This Italian restaurant gets busy even on weeknights. 

We also don’t appreciate the additional charges they impose on some of their menu items.

For example, the bread that they give out to the customers upon sitting costs $5, but customers usually say the price is worth it!  

An additional service fee of 20% is also added to the overall bill. 

Planning a romantic date night with your loved one? Mucca Osteria has just the food and the setup for you. 

This downtown Italian spot specializes in organic and handmade pasta that customers can enjoy inside an intimate and rustic-themed interior. 

Customers who dine in Mucca usually come to celebrate their anniversaries, birthdays, and other special occasions. 

We especially love their scallop dish and chocolate dessert. The al dente pasta is also a favorite, but a few customers note that it can get heavy. 

To complete the Italian dining experience, Mucca also offers wine pairing options. 

We love that they offer preselected food and wine pairings, as this lets customers simply enjoy their meal without having to stress about their options.  

The open kitchen where customers can watch the chef cook as they enjoy their wine also adds to a luxurious dining experience. 

Patrons love both their food and wine for their high-quality taste, although a few customers note the portions per serving are too small. 

The dining experience for big groups can also be limited. 

Parties of five or more will only be accommodated with a tasting menu and through reservation only. The largest group they can accept is only 12 guests. 

The pricing is also on the expensive side. In fact, the price per person in a dine-in setup is quoted at over $100 excluding the 20% additional service fee.

Piazza Italia likes to keep it authentically Italian.  

This family-run restaurant is a homage to the owner’s Italian heritage. It’s a place where their family’s interests come together—quality Italian food, soccer, music, and friendship. 

Their story definitely transcends the food they serve and the ambiance they create. 

We especially love their full-service deli that comes with Italian meats, cheese, olives, and local products too. If you want to go all out in satisfying your Italian craving, this option has everything in it. 

Just one thing to note about their deli, some of the dishes that are served with it require a prior notice of order or are prepaid orders. 

Piazza is also a farm-to-table restaurant. They grow and cultivate their own ingredients in their organic urban garden so customers can expect fresh quality in their food. 

Piazza Italia also opened its own bar right next door. Customers in Piazza can enjoy their meals with quality spirits and natural wines from the family’s own vineyard. 

This place is also perfect for family celebrations. They offer a selection of pasta especially made for kids. 

In fact, they have curated a menu of their specialties including sweet pastas that kids can enjoy. 

A few patrons, however, point out that some of their pasta dishes lack flavor.

The place also gets busy quickly! Make sure you come earlier to avoid waiting in line.

Focused on serving traditional northern Italian cuisine, Terrazzo has built a reputation for an authentic Italian dining experience. 

They especially curated their menu to reflect the different seasons of Italy, so patrons can expect a new dish once in a while. 

With their seasonal menu, locals and tourists alike can experience a taste of Italy all year round.  

If you’re craving the classics, there’s also no need to fret. They keep their timeless dishes all year round, including their Bolognese, Zafferano, and lasagna. 

Their menu runs a full course meal; they serve bread, salads, pasta, and some meat dishes. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available.

We love that customers can enjoy their meals by the river in their outdoor seating. We think it creates a refreshing and memorable moment when one can simply relax and have good food. 

Customer service in Terrazzo is also superb. The servers are friendly and welcoming. 

They’re also quite knowledgeable about Italian food. We love that they assist their customers in choosing and making their options.  

However, getting to the place can be a bit challenging. Customers must park at a distance and take a walk along the river to enter Terrazzo.

The river walk is the only entryway, and there isn’t any direct access to and from the road. 

DeNicola’s Authentic Italian Restaurant in Portland, Oregon has been serving classic Italian cuisine for decades. With a focus on traditional recipes passed down from the DeNicola family, the restaurant has become a beloved institution in the city.

What’s great about them is that they are all about classic Italian food, made with traditional ingredients and recipes. Whether you’re craving homemade pasta or a classic dish like Veal Parmagiana, you’re sure to find something delicious on the menu.

We prefer them more than others because their restaurant has a cozy and inviting atmosphere, with warm lighting and comfortable seating. Perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a family gathering.

Many long-time customers have raved about the flavors of the dishes at DeNicola’s. With recipes passed down through generations, the food is prepared with care and attention to detail.

DeNicola’s focus on classic Italian cuisine means that the menu is relatively limited. While this may be a plus for those looking for traditional dishes, those seeking more modern takes on Italian food may have to look elsewhere.